Preview: Billy Cobham revisits Spectrum

Jazz-fusion drummer Billy Cobham will play a week-long season at Ronnie Scott's in February celebrating 40 years since the release of Spectrum

Former Mahavishnu Orchestra drummer Billy Cobham will play at Ronnie Scott's in 2014 to mark 40 years since the release of his seminal album Spectrum.

The Spectrum tour, which started in New York City, makes its way to London for a spot at Ronnie's from Monday 3 February to Saturday 8 February.

Released in 1973 by Cobham as his first solo project but while he was still with Mahavishnu Orchestra, Spectrum was a pivotal moment in the Panamanian drummer's journey into jazz-fusion and went on to influence subsequent generations, for instance being sampled by Massive Attack in 1991 on their debut album Blue Lines.

The set at Ronnie's will be supported by the Ronnie Scott All Stars and will feature Dean Brown on guitar, Gary Husband on keyboards and Ric Fierabracci on bass. Cobham will also be celebrating his 70th birthday in 2014.

Tickets are from £33 to £55 and can be reserved at ronniescotts.co.uk. Doors open at 6pm (10.30pm on Friday and Saturday).

Photo: Billy Cobham in 1976, by Brian O'Connor

Sally Evans-Darby

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